The Knitter - UK (2019-09)

KNITS FROM THE
GREENHOUSE
by Cornelia Bartlette

PLANT-BASED fibres such as linen, cotton,
flax and hemp have unique, distinctive
properties, and this book sets out to
showcase their best qualities in a range of
18 k n it t i n g p at te r n s for wom e n. E d ite d by
Cornelia Bartlette, the book features a
line-up of designers including Susanna IC,
Amy Gunderson, Holli Yeoh and Annika
Andrea Wolke, who have used a stunning
a r r ay of s t itc h p at te r n s i n s pi re d by n at u re.
The book begins with a six feminine
accessory designs, including a long mesh
scarf with leafy points, and a shoulder bag
that’s smart enough for the office. The
‘Parterre Wrap’ uses a linen yarn to give
crisp definition to its floral lace borders,
while the sedum-inspired ‘Stonecrop
Shawl’ is an elongated triangle design
with a delicate lace border.
There are 13 women’s garments in the
book, which are typically sized to fit busts
of 32in to 48in, although there are a couple
of projects that are sized up to 56in. The
comfortable yet elegant layering pieces
include the head-turning ‘Trellis Tank’, a
long, A-line garment which has an unusual

Great reads

Create beautiful stitch textures and shapes using plant-based

yarns in this sophisticated pattern collection

zigzag neckline finished with crochet

lacing. Another of our favourites, the

‘Villandry Tunic’ by Holli Yeoh, has a

minimalist look; slim, crossed lines of

texture across the body stand out well in

a smooth cotton yarn from Shibui Knits.

A linen-silk blend gives a soft sheen to

the ‘Icicle Drop Tee’, while Blacker Yarns’

Lyonesse, which is spun from Falkland

wool and linen, complements the intricate

lace stitch pattern on the ‘Lorate Top’.

Among the range of lightweight

jumpers, tops and tunics is a sweater by

Amy Gunderson with a yoke that’s richly

patterned with lace and travelling twisted

stitches. An interesting construction

pro du c e s a n i c e e f fe c t on t h e ‘D r i f t wo o d

Vest’ - first, a deep lace border is worked

sideways, then stitches are picked up to

work the body upwards. ‘Puck’s Tunic’

i s a n a i r y T-sh i r t w it h a lon g b o dy by

Susanna IC, which is decorated with large

panels of lace up the centre front and back.

The main focus of the book is on stitch

textures - the only patterns using more

than one colour are a chevron-patterned

tote bag, and a halter top whose lacy yoke is

worked in a contrast shade.

A useful section on knitting techniques

is included in this attractive book.

Knits from the Greenhouse is

published by Interweave Press,

priced £19.99, and is available from

Amazon.co.uk. For more details, visit

http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com

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Reviews

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